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Stroke Prevention

Stroke can be a result of carotid artery disease. The major cause of carotid artery disease is atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a disease that mainly affects the major arteries in the body, but it occurs to some extent in all arteries. Atherosclerosis cannot be cured. However, lifestyle changes may prevent new blockages from developing or recurrence of arterial disease after intervention.

How can I prevent stroke?

  • Know the warning signs of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke:
    • sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg on one side of the body
    • sudden dimness or loss of vision, particularly in only one eye
    • loss of speech, or trouble talking or understanding speech
    • sudden, severe headache with no known cause
    • unexplained dizziness, unsteadiness or sudden falls, especially along with any of the previous symptoms
  • Know the risk factors of stroke.
  • Modify your risk factors of stroke.
  • Seek medical treatment for those risk factors that are treatable.
  • Obtain regular medical check ups.

If any of the above symptoms occur, DO NOT IGNORE THEM, even if they last only five or ten minutes. Report them to your doctor IMMEDIATELY. Stroke is an emergency.

Screening for carotid artery disease may reduce complications associated with stroke.

Developed and reviewed by
Center for Vascular Disease

Review date
2/05

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